Wilhelm Genn and Happy Z © Flashpoint Photography

GULFPORT, MS (March 18, 2007) — "What a week! Couldn't ask for better!" Bob Bell the Co-Chairman of the Gulf Coast Winter Classics put it simply. Concluding the 5 week Winter Series on a high note, this afternoon's $25,000 Gulf Coast Sunshine Jumper Classic and the much sought after $10,000 Budweiser Grand Prix Rider bonus were both awarded to Wilhelm Genn of Lebanon, Ohio. "I've had a GREAT time here!" Wilhelm shouted from his victory gallop aboard winning mount Happy Z.

Crystal blue skies mixed with a hint of gentle breeze made the final week seem as if the weather was custom ordered. Scores of spectators ventured out to enjoy the equestrian talents visiting from across the country. The show grounds became quite the hot bed of activity as the competitors turned up the heat in their efforts toward Circuit Championships. The first of which were crowned Thursday in the Hunter Divisions, leading off those honored were Canton, GA resident Terry Brown and Stately as the 2007 Gulf Coast Classics Regular Working Circuit Champions. An honor Brown has won numerous times over her career was a little bitter sweet, as she started the new season without beloved partner Sequel, the two time National Horse of the Year whom sadly passed away this past November. "It's tough," Terry began, "he [Sequel] was my partner in every sense of the word and my best friend. His was the head always out the stall window to greet or say good night, that's what I miss the most I think. It'll take time to heal but Stately and the others help in that process. He [Stately] was wonderful and I'm thrilled to be back. We always enjoy the Gulf Series." Keeping the successes in the family, Brown's client Penny Worsham and her mount On Call were named Amateur Owner Circuit Champions in the 46 & Over division. Doubling her pleasure Holly Shepherd of Grand Bay, AL wrapped up both the 1st and 2nd Year Green Working Championships with, respectively Brookhaven owned by Dr and Mrs. Ken Garber, and with the Avery Griffin entry Southern Come Back. Undoubtedly one of the busiest riders of the 5 week series, Michael Tokaruk took the Championship for the Pre Green 3' Division riding the Brittany Jennings owned Tellus. A complete listing of all 2007 Circuit Champions can be found on the Classic Company web site, www.classiccompany.com.

The closing week also saw the return of the wildly popular "Build Your Own Pizza" exhibitor party sponsored by Dominos of Gulfport. This year party goers were treated to not only the fun of making their own "pies" but to an array of goodies within the dining tent, ranging from buffalo wings to shrimp to sweets, providing something for everyone's taste delights. Following what's fondly referred to as the grazing session, local band Brandi and the Boyz helped to work off those calories playing dance music all night long. "I love this party! It's the one I wait all series for!!" Janet McCarroll the Co-Director of the event commented, "It's the kick back and make yourself at home feeling that comes with it. Everyone relaxes after a day of competing and gets to just visit."

Wilhelm Genn began his last hurrah of the series with a victory in the Lucky Sevens Welcome with the 8 year-old Holsteiner gelding Chantal for owner Laura Ryan-Barnaclo. Praising both the course by Michel Vaillancourt and the talent of his equine partner, "We always do well on Michel's courses because he challenges us to do better each time out." Their clear first round time of 75.59 seconds assured them one of the 4 spots to qualify for a jump off. He brought a total of 2 back, placing first with Chantal in a final time of 36.23 and second aboard the youngster Cedric for owners Cary Van Wormer [and Genn] in a time of 38.12. Royal Crown Stables' Rex the Rascal with Douglas King in the pilot's seat finished third with clean time of 38.34 while Holly Shepherd brought Sarah Patterson's Quilmes to a 4th place finish in 39.49 seconds. Completing the top 5 was Aiken, SC's newest resident Michael Tokaruk with partner Lord Byron turning in the fastest first round time of 69.12 but an unfortunate 4 faults.

The week's main events, the $25,000 Gulf Coast Sunshine Jumper Classic and naming of the $10,000 Grand Prix Rider Bonus both presented by Budweiser brought out the best of the best in both competitors and internationally known course master Michel Vaillancourt one last time for appreciative fans. Even with a couple of last minute scratches the crowd would not be disappointed. "Go as tight as I can and as fast I can." Was the strategy Wilhelm Genn used with the 9 year-old Dutch Warmblood mare Happy Z, "and pray for the best!" Purchased as 5 year-old in Germany, Genn developed the mare himself, starting her in the Young Jumpers and then on to Grand Prix level. Today's victory marked the young mare's 10th career win and while he [Wilhelm] admits that most of the horses trained are with the intent of being sold at some point this little mare has become the exception to the norm for Genn. "My father always told me not to get attached, remember the business but she's [Happy] the one who broke that standard." Happy however was all business this afternoon and went to work on the 13 obstacle layout that included two sets of combinations; 5AB tall verticals and 10ABC which began with the dreaded triple bar into two verticals. Happy and Genn were the last pair in the order, going clean in 87.59 well below the 91-second allowance and completing Wilhelm's perfect record, all four mounts would return for the deciding round. Only three others would join Genn.

Vaillancourt gave no easy way to this win, with a test of 7 fences and 8 efforts that wound it's way from one end of the grass field to the other and finished in the middle. The stickler being 10AB, the triple bar into a vertical followed by a nice galloping track to vertical fence 12 only to collect quickly and roll back hard right straight down to finish over fence 13, a huge oxer. Chantal, previous winner in the Welcome Stake set the pace going clear in 38.022 giving Genn a comfortable start. Newcomer to the 5th week of the series Erin McCabe riding a mount once owned by Genn, Loro Piana Gorgias, came in blazing to take over the lead with a time of 36.642. Not to be outdone Genn and Ariado fought back and stopped the clock at 36.991. The jump off became a game of "one up" as Michael Tokaruk and Lord Byron set their sights on the leader taking a no holds bar clean round in 36.243 seconds. "It was fantastic!" Michael said of the ride. "Michel built a good size course, it was long and technical. No tricks or traps. He made you have to ride out there." Last again in the order Happy Z and Genn trotted into the field-making note of Tokaruk's posted time. "I knew everything had to go just right for me.", Wilhelm began, "Happy has a shorter stride so I knew we had to be right on." Neither being short on stride nor short in stature seemed to matter to the little mare with the huge heart; Happy gave Wilhelm an explosive run and ceased the moment in a heart stopping 35.594-second finish.

Tokaruk and "Lordy" weren't disappointed with the results, "It was a great afternoon, we gave it our best and my hat's off to Wilhelm for a great ride. To be second to him isn't such a bad thing at all."a smiling Michael said. Third place went to Erin McCabe and "Loro," while the remaining of the top five placings were picked up by Genn on Ariado and Chantal.

No surprise that Wilhelm would find himself back in the winner's circle when the announcement of the $10,000 Budweiser Grand Prix Rider bonus came. "I've had my eye on that since we arrived." Genn joked about the extra paycheck, "but it's good when it really happens." That would be "really good" for his wife Patricia, who he will celebrate 20 years of marriage with in May. "I plan to take Patty somewhere special, just the two of us." but he didn't want to divulge any details and ruin the surprise.

Asked about a return visit in 2008 Genn said if it's up to him that's a definite "Yes! I know my clients have had a wonderful time as well. This was our first visit to this event and I've got to say one of the most impressive things was the grass field here! It has held up perfectly the entire 5 weeks, of course when Allen [Rheinheimer] and Bob [Bell] are running the event I shouldn't be surprised. Footing is always great. We've just had a great time here." Wilhelm concluded.

For more information on the 2007 Gulfport Winter Classics and results please visit www.classiccompany.com or call (843) 768-5503.